Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours | Best Time To Visit

Timings

Dolmabahçe Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 am to 5 pm.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–17:00
Wednesday	09:00–17:00
Thursday	09:00–17:00
Friday	09:00–17:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00–17:00
Sunday	09:00–17:00

You can enter the Dolmabahce Palace only until 3 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays, the first day of the Ramadan Feast, the first day of Eid-Al-Adha, and New Year’s Day.

Dolmabahce Palace Museum

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–17:00
Wednesday	09:00–17:00
Thursday	09:00–17:00
Friday	09:00–17:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00–17:00
Sunday	09:00–17:00

Dolmabahce Palace Harem

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–18:00
Wednesday	09:00–18:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00–18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00

Dolmabahçe Clock Tower

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–16:00
Wednesday	09:00–16:00
Thursday	09:00–16:00
Friday	09:00–16:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00–16:00
Sunday	09:00–16:00

Dolmabahce Museum

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–17:00
Wednesday	09:00–17:00
Thursday	09:00–17:00
Friday	09:00–17:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00–17:00
Sunday	09:00–17:00

Best time to visit the Dolmabahçe Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

The Dolmabahce Palace attracts attention throughout the year. It is best to invest in skip-the-line tickets to reduce wait times. Fridays and weekends are more crowded than weekdays. Try to arrive as early as possible during weekends to enjoy a few moments of peace strolling the palace rooms and harem.
The Palace is closed on Mondays. Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends. If you are a history enthusiast, you will benefit from visiting the palace on a weekday afternoon. The harem and halls are almost deserted during afternoons, offering you a quiet ambiance to observe the art and architecture.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season (June to August): Right during the school holidays and the onset of summer in Istanbul, these months attract the most number of tourists in the city. You may see a surge in wait times and hotel and restaurant prices. Invest in a Vienna Pass to save time and start your tour early in the day.

Mid Season (March to May, September to October): These months are the best time to visit landmarks and museums in the city, as the weather is pleasant. The clear skies and soft sunlight make for ideal photo opportunities.

Low Season (November to February): If you do not mind the cold, plan a visit to the Palace during the winter months. There are much fewer tourists around this time, as compared to the summer months.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do you need to tour Dolmabahce Palace?

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul is quite a large landmark with many attractions to explore within, such as its ornate interiors, the Imperial Dolmabahce Harem, Ceremonial Hall, the Palace Museum, Dolmabahce Mosque, the palace gardens, and the Clock Tower. The duration of your visit will depend on how much time you want to spend exploring these different sections of the palace. Typically, a full tour of the palace complex takes around 1 to 2 hours.

If you are visiting Dolmabahce Palace during the peak tourist season, you can expect longer queues for tickets and entry, which could extend your visit. So, it is best to book Dolmabahce Palace skip-the-line tickets online in advance to make sure your entry is confirmed and that you can make the most of your time at the palace.

Frequently asked questions about Dolmabahce Palace opening hours

What are the Dolmabahce Palace opening hours?

Dolmabahce Palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

Is Dolmabahce Palace open every day?

Dolmabahce Palace is not open every day. It remains closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.

When is Dolmabahce Palace closed?

Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays, New Year’s Eve, the first day of the Ramadan Feast, and the first day of Eid-al-Adha.

How long should I spend at Dolmabahce Palace?

Typically, visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring Dolmabahce Palace. If you have an avid interest in historical landmarks, you may want to spend a while longer at the palace complex. Make sure you don't miss out on its various rooms and sections, such as the Ceremonial Hall, the harem, the museum, Dolmabahce Mosque, and the palace gardens.

What is the best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace?

The best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace is in April, May, September, and October. There are fewer crowds during these off-season months. The weather is also milder compared to the harsher summer months and ideal for taking a stroll around the city and exploring its many attractions.

Is Dolmabahce Palace open on public holidays?

The Dolmabahce Palace is open throughout the year but remains closed on Mondays, New Year’s Eve, the first day of the Ramadan Feast, and the first day of the Eid-al-Adha.

Should I buy Dolmabahce Palace tickets in advance?

Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance. You can book Dolmabahce Palace tickets online to reserve your spot. Booking tickets online also ensures a hassle-free touring experience.

How do I get to Dolmabahce Palace?

Dolmabahce Palace is easily accessible by public transport options in Istanbul, including bus, tram, and metro. For directions and other information, read about how to get to Dolmabahce Palace.

Can I cancel my Dolmabahce Palace tickets?

Yes, you can cancel your Dolmabahce Palace tickets up to 24 hours before your experience to get a full refund on your purchase.